What to do when there is Tornado

NSW SES

NSW SES volunteers have responded to 500 requests for assistance after severe thunderstorms impacted areas of NSW yesterday and overnight.

A tornado has also caused significant damage in the area of Armidale, where NSW SES have received over 160 requests for assistance.

This is the second tornado occurrence in NSW over the last few weeks. Tornadoes are more common in NSW than people may think and are usually associated with supercell thunderstorms.

It is important to be aware of the conditions that can cause tornadoes and know what to do to prepare, respond and recover.

Preparing for a tornado:

  1. Know the warning signs which include:
    1. Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning
    2. Extremely dark skies, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds
    3. A loud roar, rumbling or whistling sound
    4. A rotating funnel-shaped cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail
    5. An approaching cloud of debris
  1. Pay attention to weather reports for conditions that could indicate the potential for a tornado
  1. Have a plan of what you will do in case there is a tornado. This plan includes:
    1. Identify a safer place (shelter) to go. These include in order of preference, a storm shelter, a basement, a small interior, windowless room in the lowest level of a sturdy building, an internal hallway, room or bathroom, or under a heavy table or desk
    2. Identify items that can be used as protection – mattresses, blankets, etc.
    3. Remember COVID-safe practices if you need to seek shelter from a tornado
    4. Remember to plan for your pets
    5. Prepare an emergency kit now so that you have essential items available after a tornado, like a battery-powered radio and torch, first aid kit, candles and matches
  1. Even though tornadoes can cause significant damage, maintaining your yard and balcony and having a plan to secure items that may become dangerous missiles during a tornado, can reduce damage.

What to do During a Tornado:

At home:

  • Go to a safer shelter immediately, such as a storm shelter, basement, a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, an internal hallway, room or bathroom or under a heavy table or desk
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
  • Use mattresses, blankets, and other items to protect people
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck

Outside:

  • Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris
  • Lie down in a ditch away from items that could be drawn up by the tornado, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
  • Beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move quickly
  • Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death

Livestock:

  • Livestock may hear and sense impending tornadoes. Without risking your personal safety, open gates for your livestock to escape

Office or Apartment Building:

  • Take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or on the ground floor
  • Do not use the elevator
  • Stay away from windows

If you are driving:

  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle, go to the nearest solid shelter
  • If you cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
  • If the tornado is close, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch
  • Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location

Large buildings with wide-span roofs may collapse in a tornado

Do not chase tornadoes – they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly. A tornado is deceptive. It may appear to be standing still but is, in fact, moving toward you.

What to do after a tornado

  • Stay clear of damaged buildings and structures
  • Stay clear of fallen power lines, glass and other debris
  • Wear shoes if and when you move out from your shelter
  • If you need emergency assistance, call triple zero (000) or call out for help. Continue to shelter where you are unless it is unsafe to stay there. If you cannot move, keep calling out and wait for assistance
  • Stay where you are until the tornado has fully passed
  • If you can assist others, do so safely
  • Continue to listen to weather advice on a battery-powered radio and follow all advice from the emergency services
  • If you can, contact family and friends to let them know you are safe
  • Safely check to see if your property has been damaged
  • Safely check on your neighbours and assist where you can
  • Contact your insurance agency
  • Ensure the area and your building is safe to enter. This may require checks and assessments by qualified people
  • Wear appropriate clothes when clearing debris, such as thick soled and closed shoes, long pants, gloves and masks
  • Do not eat or drink anything that has been impacted by the tornado. Bring fresh water and food if you are returning to your property
  • Safely dispose of all damaged material appropriately
  • Always follow COVID-safe precautions

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